This project documents a hardware modification for the LilyGo T-Embed CC1101 Plus to replace the stock internal antennas with high-gain external antennas. This modification significantly improves signal range and stability for both LoRa/Sub-GHz (915MHz) and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (2.4GHz) communications.
DO NOT POWER ON THE DEVICE UNTIL ALL ANTENNAS ARE ATTACHED.
Powering on the RF modules without antennas connected can permanently damage the transmission chips.
Front view showing the triple antenna setup.
Top profile showing the custom mounting points.
1. The Device
- LilyGo T-Embed CC1101 (Plus Version): Product Link
2. Antennas
- 2.4GHz High Gain Antennas (Qty: 2): Used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Amazon Link
- 915MHz High Gain Antenna (Qty: 1): Used for LoRa/Meshtastic communication. Amazon Link
3. Internal Connectors (Crucial)
- U.FL to SMA Female Pigtails (Qty: 3): Required to connect the board's internal U.FL ports to the external antennas.
- Note: Ensure cable length is short (approx. 5-10cm) to fit inside the case.
Remove the rear cover to access the internal components.
Warning: Be extremely careful with the battery wires and the FPC ribbon cable connecting the screen and rotary dial.
- Mark: Mark three evenly spaced points on the top plastic rim of the T-Embed case.
- Tip: I suggest keeping the two 2.4GHz antennas grouped together to minimize interference with the LoRa antenna.
- Drill: Create holes sized to fit the SMA connectors (usually 6mm or 1/4").
- Recommendation: Do not use a large standard drill bit as it may crack the case. A Dremel or step bit is highly recommended.
- Clearance Check: Ensure there is clearance inside the case for the connector barrels so they do not crush the PCB upon reassembly.
- LoRa (915MHz): Locate the U.FL connector on the CC1101 module (the smaller daughterboard) and connect one pigtail.
- Wi-Fi/BT (2.4GHz): Locate the ESP32 U.FL connector on the main PCB. Disconnect the stock internal flex antenna and connect the new pigtail.
- Mounting: Secure the SMA connectors to the drilled holes using the nuts and washers provided with your pigtails.
The RF connections are located at the very bottom of the assembly.
Note: One 2.4GHz connection is located under the silver ESP32 shielding, and the other is on the nRF board.
Note: The RF ports are labeled on the PCB, making reconnection straightforward.
Route the cables carefully around the battery to ensure the case closes flush. Screw the back cover on and attach your antennas (or use the attached magnets for mounting).
- Signal Strength: Significant dB gain over stock internal FPC antennas.
- Versatility: Allows for swapping antennas based on use case (e.g., switching to directional antennas or different lengths for specific range capabilities).
Modern film sets are cluttered with dozens of proprietary wireless remotes for different departments: lighting (DMX), practical effects (fog machines, rain rigs, pyrotechnics), and motion control systems. Furthermore, sound stages are often RF-hostile environments saturated with 2.4GHz interference, making standard internal antennas unreliable for critical cues.
This modified T-Embed serves as a Universal Long-Range Production Controller.
- Consolidation: The rotary encoder is ideal for fine-tuning variables (e.g., dimming lights, adjusting fan speeds for wind effects) without needing to look down at a touchscreen, while the display provides tactile feedback.
- Reliability: By upgrading to external antennas, this device allows for the use of 915MHz LoRa for critical "GO" triggers. This frequency punches through set walls and ignores the 2.4GHz noise floor that plagues standard Wi-Fi equipment.
- Range: The high-gain antennas allow the controller to operate from "Video Village" or off-camera positions that are hundreds of feet away from the practical effects being triggered.
[Real-world use videos and step-by-step video documentation coming soon]
Future versions hope to include Meshtastic for seamless on-set communication.
- Currently testing with Bruce v1.13.
- Plans to develop a custom OS specifically for production environments.
- For info on the current firmware, please see the Bruce Firmware GitHub.
Created by [jamiemadde-max] Released under the MIT License